ARGUING FROM ETYMOLOGY

This paper first appeared in the Spring edition of the 'Skeptical Intelligencer', 2023, pp. 2-3.

In the previous issue I had something to say about a point raised by Mark Newbrook in his piece on 'folk linguistics', namely that the idea that the etymology of a word reveals its 'true' meaning is a misconception, and its contemporary meaning is to be determined by analysis of how its current usage. Hence, I suggested that arguing from etymology in order to justify a belief or point of view (or refute the same) is yet another example of weak or fallacious reasoning.

I was reminded about this by a recent letter in the Times from a Mr Reed, who had taken exception to the announcement in the same newspaper on February 4th that a humanist had been appointed as the first non-religious head chaplain at a British university. Mr Reed points out that 'The word (chaplain) has its origins in a building for Christian worship, deriving from the post of a Christian cleric, and retains certain religious connotations.'(note 1). Mr Reed has a point here, insofar as in the public mind, a chaplain is a Christian cleric and a chaplaincy is a place of Christian worship, and they have been so for many centuries But what Mr Reed is failing to recognise is that the meaning of these words, as they are currently used, is changing. According to Wikipedia:

'Though originally the word chaplain referred to representatives of the Christian faith, it is now also applied to people of other religions or philosophical traditions, as in the case of chaplains serving with military forces and an increasing number of chaplaincies at U.S. universities. In recent times, many lay people have received professional training in chaplaincy and are now appointed as chaplains in schools, hospitals, companies, universities, prisons and elsewhere to work alongside, or instead of, official members of the clergy. The concepts of a multi-faith team, secular, generic or humanist chaplaincy are also gaining increasing use, particularly within healthcare and educational settings.'

This is true of the UK as well. So while these places may still be called 'chaplaincies', they employ people of a range of faiths as well as those of no religious persuasion. Indeed the university chaplaincy at which I volunteer goes under the title of 'Multifaith Chaplaincy'. Nevertheless, it is true that because the public has not caught up with the expanded meaning of 'chaplain', humanists like me, who work or volunteer at such places, are not always happy referring to themselves as such. No such dilemma is faced by their non-Christian religious colleagues-for example, Muslim (Imam) and Jewish (Rabbi). 'Faith advisor' or 'pastoral carer' can be a useful way of identifying oneself, but for the poor humanist, there is no expression that entirely satisfies, and I tend to call myself a 'humanist advisor'.

Note

1. These two words themselves are historically derived from the Latin word 'capella' meaning 'little cape'. According to Britannica, 'In the 4th century, chaplains (Latin cappellani) were so called because they kept St. Martin's famous half cape (cappella, diminutive of cappa). This sacred relic gave its name to the tent and later to the simple oratory or chapel where it was preserved,' I am a volunteer in two chaplaincies and none of the chaplains there have anything to do with little capes.